While many artists have been holding back on releasing new music, Leon Bridges chose to release his new single, “Sweeter” early, which deals with the racism he has experienced in his own life and the persistence of racism today, in the wake of the murder of George Floyd.
“Sweeter” was recorded for an upcoming album, but according to his latest Instagram post, Bridges and Terrace Martin, who features on the song, felt the early release necessary.
In the caption, Bridges writes, “The death of George Floyd was the straw that broke the camel’s back for me. It was the first time I wept for a man I never met.” He continues, “Just as Abel’s blood was crying out to God, George Floyd is calling out to me.”
“Sweeter” is resonant, musically and lyrically. Leon Bridges deep, emotion-filled voice delivers his lyrics with a passion often felt in his other work, and yet it rings differently. It is more urgent, though slow, as it requires the listener to really hear what Bridges is saying. Previous hits like 2017’s “River” and 2018’s “Bad Bad News” allow the listener to simply float away on Bridges’ voice. “Sweeter” requires more of the listener.
The chorus sings, “Hoping for a life more sweeter/ Instead I’m just a story repeating/ Why do I fear with skin dark as night?/ Can’t feel peace with those judging eyes.”
The song is available on Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube and various other streaming platforms
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